A Summer Start in Preveza

The first week of July saw us eager for our summer escape. Our hearts were set on Lefkada, but as luck would have it, desirable accommodations there were simply not to our liking. Our search led us a few kilometers north, to Preveza, where we found a promising option: Ninos Grand Hotel.

Upon our early arrival around 8 AM, the receptionist at Ninos Grand Hotel greeted us with remarkable friendliness. Seeing my pregnant wife, he kindly prioritized our check-in, a gesture we deeply appreciated.

Our Room: A Mixed Bag

We were assigned a three-person room, perfect for two adults and our six-year-old daughter, located in one of the two-story annex buildings. The room itself was quite pleasant, featuring comfortable beds, a television, air conditioning, and even a coffee machine. The space was subtly divided by a thin wall, creating a larger area with a double bed (presumably for us) and a smaller nook with a single bed for our daughter.

However, this open layout, while spacious, lacked a crucial element: privacy. There were no doors or even curtains between the two sections. Furthermore, the air conditioner was mounted directly in the smaller, child's section, raising concerns about our daughter catching a chill. The bathroom also presented minor inconveniences; it lacked holders for toothbrushes, and the shower's glass partition was too short, leading to inevitable water spillage on the floor.

The Hotel's Charm

The main hotel building exuded a pleasant ambiance. The reception area flowed into a spacious lobby adorned with numerous sofa beds, perfect for relaxing. An indoor bar and a small shop added to the convenience. Two large dining areas were designed to accommodate guests, and the omnipresent air conditioning kept the interior comfortably cool, though it could get a bit warm during peak meal times when crowds converged.

Outside, overlooking the beach, a lovely terrace shaded by trees offered a delightful escape, even at midday. This same terrace transformed into an inviting à la carte restaurant in the evenings, promising pleasant al fresco dining.

Culinary Delights (and Minor Gripes)

The food at Ninos Grand was, without a doubt, delicious. We savored traditional Greek dishes alongside more familiar options like potatoes and meat, catering to a wider European palate. My only minor critique would be the limited variety; the salads and sweets, while tasty, remained largely consistent throughout our stay. Drinks were standard — Greek beer, water, and soda. Unfortunately, the reliance on plastic cups rather than reusable glasses was a noticeable environmental downside.

Room Cleanliness: A Persistent Challenge

Our experience with room cleaning was less than ideal. While a cleaning lady was scheduled to come daily and change towels upon request, her visits consistently coincided with our presence in the room, either right after meals or during siesta. We only managed to get our room cleaned on days we were out for the entire day. Even then, the cleanliness was subpar; we often found sand and hair on the floor. One day, I noticed that my shoes hadn't even been moved to clean the sand beneath them, indicating a lack of thoroughness.

Pool Experience: An Unsettling Incident

The hotel boasted four pools, seemingly two for children and two for adults, though all were frequently occupied by children. Initially, the pools appeared clean and well-maintained. However, one day, I witnessed a disturbing incident: the water in one of the larger pools became noticeably dirty, appearing as though a small child had an accident. While such incidents can happen, I would have expected the hotel staff to immediately clear the pool and initiate a cleaning procedure. Instead, the dirt remained for some time before eventually disappearing. This unsettling experience led my daughter to refuse to go into any of the pools afterward, leaving us wondering about the frequency of such occurrences.